Camping is the ultimate getaway for nature lovers, and Michiganders are lucky to live close to some of the most beautiful campgrounds in the country. Waterfront campgrounds are particularly charming — there’s nothing quite as refreshing as walking out of your tent, cooking lunch on the campfire, and spending the rest of your afternoon enjoying some quality beach time. The best lake camping in Michigan can be found at these 10 amazing campgrounds in Michigan that allow for unparalleled beachfront access.
- Orchard Beach State Park (Manistee)
TripAdvisor/Brandy S. Located just north of Manistee, this state park boasts a family-friendly campground with access to the gorgeous coast of Lake Michigan. The state park itself comprises 201 acres of bluffs and dune land, and the campgrounds are surrounded by a series of hiking trails. Address: 2064 Lakeshore Road, Manistee, MI 49660
- Harrisville State Park (Harrisville)
TripAdvisor/Brandy S. Surrounded by a stunning forest, the campsites at this park on Lake Huron are just steps away from the beach. The heavily wooded area around the campground makes it perfect for hot summer days, and it’s conveniently located close to the resort town of Harrisville for any of your non-camping needs. Address: 248 State Park Road, Harrisville, MI 48740
- Silver Lake State Park (Mears)
Flickr/Jason Mrachina This beloved state park allows visitors to explore some of the most beautiful sand dunes in the state of Michigan. Set up your tent near the shores of Silver Lake or Lake Michigan and enjoy a true connection to nature at one of these stunning sites. Make sure to get your reservation confirmed early, though — Silver Lake State Park camping is a popular destination. Address: 8674 Silver Lake Road, Mears, MI 49436
- Bay Furnace Campground (Munising)
TripAdvisor/Melissa D. This campsite near Munising is the ideal spot for swimming, stargazing, and even the occasional sighting of the Northern Lights. Visitors have also listed it as a prime spot to collect sand glass, a favorite pastime for many Michigan beach lovers. Snag a spot on the water to appreciate the peaceful atmosphere of this rustically beautiful campground. Address: Bay Furnace Road, Munising, MI 49862
- Weko Beach Campground (Bridgman)
Facebook/Weko Beach & Campground This lovely campground near Bridgman is perfect for campers who want a slightly less rustic experience for their beachfront stay. The campground offers hot showers and concession items, and even rents out small cabins near the shores of Lake Michigan for those who aren’t so keen on tent camping. Address: 5237 Lake Street, Bridgman, MI 49106
- Twelvemile Beach Campground (Grand Marais)
Flickr/Katie Sumbler Located in Grand Marais, this one-of-a-kind campground features 37 sites sitting on a breathtaking bluff overlooking Lake Superior. Visitors to the UP frequently list Twelvemile as one of their favorite camping sites, and with good reason: it offers some of the most stunning views in the state. Address: Grand Marais, MI 49839
- Sleeper State Park (Caseville)
TripAdvisor/Elizabeth H. Nestled away in Michigan’s Thumb region, this amazing state park sits on over 720 acres of land — comprised of everything from wetlands to forests to gorgeous sandy shorelines on Lake Huron’s Saginaw Bay. Set up your tent right off the shore and enjoy a gorgeous Michigan sunset before you head to bed. Address: 6573 State Park Road, Caseville, MI 48725
- Fisherman’s Island (Charlevoix)
TripAdvisor/Annette K. This stunning state park near Charlevoix offers the opportunity to camp right on the scenic shores of Lake Michigan. The “island” is actually a peninsula, and visitors will be charmed by its abundance of wildflowers and endless views. This is a must-visit for campers who want to experience the beauty of Michigan firsthand. Address: 16480 Bells Bay Road, Charlevoix, MI 49720
- Woodland Park Campground (Grand Marais)
Facebook/Woodland Park Campground This campground is located a few blocks from the beachfront, but it’s worth the walk. The campground itself includes fully equipped bathrooms and laundry facilities, as well as wifi - but we hope you’ll take time to appreciate the natural beauty that surrounds you. Make the short walk to Lake Superior to take in the truly stunning scenery of the Great Lakes State. Address: Grand Marais, MI 49839
- D.H. Day Campground (Glen Arbor)
Yelp/Bradey S. Make your way to Glen Arbor for a back-to-nature experience at this rustic campground near Sleeping Bear Dunes. 88 private sites are available, but they’re given out on a first-come, first-served basis. Enjoy a day on Lake Michigan during the day and step away from the shore for a ranger-led informational program in the evening. Address: 8010 W Harbor Highway, Glen Arbor, MI 49636
So, what’s stopping you? All it takes is a tent, a few friends, and a drive to reach one of these gorgeous waterfront campgrounds in Michigan. You’re in for another unforgettable (and undeniably beautiful) adventure in the Great Lakes state with the best lake camping in Michigan.
TripAdvisor/Brandy S.
Located just north of Manistee, this state park boasts a family-friendly campground with access to the gorgeous coast of Lake Michigan. The state park itself comprises 201 acres of bluffs and dune land, and the campgrounds are surrounded by a series of hiking trails. Address: 2064 Lakeshore Road, Manistee, MI 49660
Surrounded by a stunning forest, the campsites at this park on Lake Huron are just steps away from the beach. The heavily wooded area around the campground makes it perfect for hot summer days, and it’s conveniently located close to the resort town of Harrisville for any of your non-camping needs. Address: 248 State Park Road, Harrisville, MI 48740
Flickr/Jason Mrachina
This beloved state park allows visitors to explore some of the most beautiful sand dunes in the state of Michigan. Set up your tent near the shores of Silver Lake or Lake Michigan and enjoy a true connection to nature at one of these stunning sites. Make sure to get your reservation confirmed early, though — Silver Lake State Park camping is a popular destination. Address: 8674 Silver Lake Road, Mears, MI 49436
TripAdvisor/Melissa D.
This campsite near Munising is the ideal spot for swimming, stargazing, and even the occasional sighting of the Northern Lights. Visitors have also listed it as a prime spot to collect sand glass, a favorite pastime for many Michigan beach lovers. Snag a spot on the water to appreciate the peaceful atmosphere of this rustically beautiful campground. Address: Bay Furnace Road, Munising, MI 49862
Facebook/Weko Beach & Campground
This lovely campground near Bridgman is perfect for campers who want a slightly less rustic experience for their beachfront stay. The campground offers hot showers and concession items, and even rents out small cabins near the shores of Lake Michigan for those who aren’t so keen on tent camping. Address: 5237 Lake Street, Bridgman, MI 49106
Flickr/Katie Sumbler
Located in Grand Marais, this one-of-a-kind campground features 37 sites sitting on a breathtaking bluff overlooking Lake Superior. Visitors to the UP frequently list Twelvemile as one of their favorite camping sites, and with good reason: it offers some of the most stunning views in the state. Address: Grand Marais, MI 49839
TripAdvisor/Elizabeth H.
Nestled away in Michigan’s Thumb region, this amazing state park sits on over 720 acres of land — comprised of everything from wetlands to forests to gorgeous sandy shorelines on Lake Huron’s Saginaw Bay. Set up your tent right off the shore and enjoy a gorgeous Michigan sunset before you head to bed. Address: 6573 State Park Road, Caseville, MI 48725
TripAdvisor/Annette K.
This stunning state park near Charlevoix offers the opportunity to camp right on the scenic shores of Lake Michigan. The “island” is actually a peninsula, and visitors will be charmed by its abundance of wildflowers and endless views. This is a must-visit for campers who want to experience the beauty of Michigan firsthand. Address: 16480 Bells Bay Road, Charlevoix, MI 49720
Facebook/Woodland Park Campground
This campground is located a few blocks from the beachfront, but it’s worth the walk. The campground itself includes fully equipped bathrooms and laundry facilities, as well as wifi - but we hope you’ll take time to appreciate the natural beauty that surrounds you. Make the short walk to Lake Superior to take in the truly stunning scenery of the Great Lakes State. Address: Grand Marais, MI 49839
Yelp/Bradey S.
Make your way to Glen Arbor for a back-to-nature experience at this rustic campground near Sleeping Bear Dunes. 88 private sites are available, but they’re given out on a first-come, first-served basis. Enjoy a day on Lake Michigan during the day and step away from the shore for a ranger-led informational program in the evening. Address: 8010 W Harbor Highway, Glen Arbor, MI 49636
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Lake Camping In Michigan June 24, 2019 Andrea Limke Is it legal to camp on the beach in Michigan? If you’re looking for the best lake camping in Michigan that gets you right on a sandy beach, it’s best to stay within a designated campground. With miles and miles of shoreline, several campgrounds in Michigan offer waterfront campsites, but most of these are not right on the beach. However, there are many, like the ones listed above, that provide beach views from your site, which is then just steps away from the small waves in the sand. What do I need to bring to camp on the beach in Michigan? When visiting one of the beachfront campgrounds in Michigan, you’ll want to bring along anything you would typically take to go camping. In addition to the basics, if you are tent camping, be sure you have the proper supplies to anchor your tent in the sand. Extra tarps are also helpful to have, as well as extra clothing for changes in weather and breezy nights by the water. As with any waterfront camping, don’t forget plenty of bug spray and sunscreen. What are the best family camprounds in Michigan? Many destinations across the state offer the best family camping in Michigan. Kids will love any of the beachfront campgrounds listed above, but there are even more to consider when planning a family getaway. For a sense of community and plenty of amenities, check out Mackinaw Mill Creek Camping, which you can read more about here. For beautiful scenery and a variety of family-friendly activities, book a campsite at Waffle Farm Campground. See more of this campground in Coldwater here.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Lake Camping In Michigan
June 24, 2019
Andrea Limke
Is it legal to camp on the beach in Michigan? If you’re looking for the best lake camping in Michigan that gets you right on a sandy beach, it’s best to stay within a designated campground. With miles and miles of shoreline, several campgrounds in Michigan offer waterfront campsites, but most of these are not right on the beach. However, there are many, like the ones listed above, that provide beach views from your site, which is then just steps away from the small waves in the sand. What do I need to bring to camp on the beach in Michigan? When visiting one of the beachfront campgrounds in Michigan, you’ll want to bring along anything you would typically take to go camping. In addition to the basics, if you are tent camping, be sure you have the proper supplies to anchor your tent in the sand. Extra tarps are also helpful to have, as well as extra clothing for changes in weather and breezy nights by the water. As with any waterfront camping, don’t forget plenty of bug spray and sunscreen. What are the best family camprounds in Michigan? Many destinations across the state offer the best family camping in Michigan. Kids will love any of the beachfront campgrounds listed above, but there are even more to consider when planning a family getaway. For a sense of community and plenty of amenities, check out Mackinaw Mill Creek Camping, which you can read more about here. For beautiful scenery and a variety of family-friendly activities, book a campsite at Waffle Farm Campground. See more of this campground in Coldwater here.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
If you’re looking for the best lake camping in Michigan that gets you right on a sandy beach, it’s best to stay within a designated campground. With miles and miles of shoreline, several campgrounds in Michigan offer waterfront campsites, but most of these are not right on the beach. However, there are many, like the ones listed above, that provide beach views from your site, which is then just steps away from the small waves in the sand.
What do I need to bring to camp on the beach in Michigan?
When visiting one of the beachfront campgrounds in Michigan, you’ll want to bring along anything you would typically take to go camping. In addition to the basics, if you are tent camping, be sure you have the proper supplies to anchor your tent in the sand. Extra tarps are also helpful to have, as well as extra clothing for changes in weather and breezy nights by the water. As with any waterfront camping, don’t forget plenty of bug spray and sunscreen.
What are the best family camprounds in Michigan?
Many destinations across the state offer the best family camping in Michigan. Kids will love any of the beachfront campgrounds listed above, but there are even more to consider when planning a family getaway. For a sense of community and plenty of amenities, check out Mackinaw Mill Creek Camping, which you can read more about here. For beautiful scenery and a variety of family-friendly activities, book a campsite at Waffle Farm Campground. See more of this campground in Coldwater here.
